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KARACHI: The second day of the 6th Karachi International Water Conference commenced briskly, featuring various sessions where distinguished speakers delved into crucial subjects related to the water crisis and climate change. Throughout the day, these experts explored water-related challenges in the country and proposed potential solutions to bring about positive change.
The day kicked off with diverse sessions, beginning with a panel discussion involving the corporate sector and microfinance institutions on ‘Making Water Economy Deliver: Moving People from Poverty to Prosperity.’ Moderated by Simi Kamal, the session included participants such as Boo Hock Khoo, Chairman Infra Zamin, Nadir Gul Barech, Dr Allah Nawaz, and Favad Soomro. Simultaneously, discussions unfolded on “Blue Economy Matters: Oceans, Wetlands, and Biodiversity,” chaired by Meher Marker Noshirwani, featuring presentations on mangroves by Tariq Alexander Qaiser, a WWF presentation by Sohail Naqvi, and a keynote presentation by Dr Nuzhat Khan. Another presentation and panel discussion focused on ‘SDGs Matter: National Stocktaking’ were chaired by Tofiq Pasha and moderated by Durre Sameen, with panelists including Asim Khan, Wasik Ali Syed, Salima Hemani, and Safraz Cheema.
Following a tea break, an open dialogue titled “Café of the Unheard: New Voices Matter” featured sets of mentors and participants addressing water issues often overlooked in mainstream discourse. The teams included Kazim Saeed and Suroor Ansari, Dr Pervaiz Amir and Kausar Hashmi, Mark Smith and Anique Azam, Mahim Mahar and Areba Syed, Dr Imran Ahmed and Moazzam Ahmed, Barbara Schreiner and Sabeen Rizvi, and Simi Kamal and Faryal Azam.
The seventh session, post-lunch, explored three subjects simultaneously. ‘Does Water Matter to Anyone in Karachi,’ chaired by Dr Noman Ahmed and moderated by Afia Salam, expressed concern over Karachi’s water supply, sparking an engaging dialogue. Government representatives and citizens’ voices were heard, with Dr Lubna Ghazal presenting a paper on ‘Assessment of Drinking water Crises in Karachi.’ ‘Transformative Water Matters in Food Security: Wake up Pakistan!’ was another subject under scrutiny, chaired by Dr Mark Smith, with keynote addresses by Dr Akissa Bahri and Dr Mohsin Hafeez, who also moderated the panel discussion featuring Mehmood Nawaz Shah, Dr Robina Wahaj, Umer Karim, Dr Pervaiz Amir, and Dr Aban Marker Kabraji.
The third simultaneous session was a panel discussion on ‘Synergizing Growth: Public-Private Partnership Redefining Municipal Services,’ moderated by Tauseef Lateef. Speakers included Fozia Parveen, Muhammad Rafi, Khalid Mehmood, Amir Iqbal, and Dr Shaikh Tanveer.
The Closing Plenary, ‘Water Matters for the Future,’ comprised two parts. The first part, moderated by Zohair Ashir, showcased the Panjwani-Hisaar Water Institute (PHWI) and featured Simi Kamal’s vision with implementation support from Engro Foundation, speeches by Nadira Panjwani and Professor Dr Sarosh Lodi, VC NED University, and an MOU signing. The first part concluded with an address by the chief guest, the president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi.
The second part, moderated by Sanaa Baxamoosa, included remarks by Dr Youssef Filali-Meknassi, Director UNESCO Pakistan, General Conrad, US Consul General, a Conference Declaration, and acknowledgments by Sanaa Baxamoosa. The conference culminated with a powerful rendition of “SOS from the Kids,” a song performed by KGS Middle Section choir, emphasizing the urgency of addressing water-related challenges for the sake of future generations.
The conference concluded on a reflective note, fostering connections and dialogue over a closing tea session. This significant two-day event not only shed light on critical water issues but also provided a platform for collaborative solutions and a renewed commitment to addressing the water crisis and climate discourse. The 6th Karachi International Water Conference stood as a testament to the power of collective action in tackling pressing global challenges.
